That’s a wrap on the 2023 holiday season and boy are we purchased out! New clothes, new phones, new beauty products the list goes on. This seasonal phenomenon is exhausting, with intense pressure to purchase seems to never end with Black Friday and Boxing Day sales stretching longer and longer and promising deeper markdowns. Endless opportunities for us to buy, from ads on Instagram to Apple Pay at the touch of a button.
Let’s digest the impact, is it really worth it to buy on sale?
It’s no surprise that our mass consumption impacts the environment, though many of us don’t think of the potential outcomes. Especially when shopping online, when everything we want can magically appear on our doorstep at the touch of a button.
The Green Alliance has found that 80% of items purchased on Black Friday end up in the trash. Leaving most of those shiny new purchases in a landfill, incinerated, or poorly recycled.
Waste Managed UK has found that Black Friday 2023 was expected to produce 492,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Which is the equivalent of 435 long-haul return flights from New York to London. It is important to note that these emissions predictions are only accounting for the greenhouse gas emissions that will be produced from deliveries. (In reality, the emissions levels are much higher, as they do not account for production).
How can we shop sales more sustainably?
While seasonal sales can be great for both, us as consumers and corporations it is important to be mindful. While this time of year is a great time to score a deal on things we need. Maybe that winter jacket you have been putting off buying, or your go-to pair of jeans. Try and steer clear of trending items!
Shopping in-store is encouraged! This gives you the opportunity to see the items in real life. The ability to judge whether you really like this item. As well as discourages bracketing, which is when you purchase several items in different colours or sizes to inevitably return many of the items selected. Generating more emissions from transport, and far more plastic and paper packaging waste that often get chucked into the trash instead of properly separated.
Shopping locally can apply here as well, check out the boutiques and stores around your neighbourhood. Or companies that produce within your country or region. Especially, as many Black Friday & Cyber Monday purchases are being gifted during the holidays. Why not try and get something extra special next year and support a local business while you are at it!
Look for companies that are providing a longer sale period. Discouraging impulse purchases while still offering consumers an added bonus!
Transitioning to sustainable shopping takes time, starting slow by asking yourself questions when making a purchase like:
- Do I own something similar?
- Do I need this right now?
Is a great place to start.
House Thirty 